14 July 2002

The New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters today said he could not discuss the issue of forming coalition governments until the day after the election.

Mr Peters told a meeting of Auckland businessmen that it was up to voters to decide who would be in government and that he would not become involved in media speculation about hypothetical situations.

“We have concentrated on our key issues of making our streets and homes safe from criminals, unchecked immigration and the Treaty gravy train.

“Whether we sort these issues out as part of a Government or as Opposition is up to the voters but there is no doubt that we will sort them out over the next three years.”

Mr Peters said he had been able to work with Labour on a number of issues such as superannuation and he was sure that the two parties could work together if the voters told them to.

The biggest danger was allowing any party to govern on its own.

As far as National and Act were concerned, Mr Peters said they were on the road to political oblivion because of their discredited old policies.

ENDS

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